Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
55 complaint records1 crash report
"THE TRANSMISSION HAD A JERK IN THE TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER IT WAS THE DESIGN THE OF THE VEHICLE. *TS *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Speed control
51 complaint records30 crash reports
"CONSUMER STATED WHILE PARKING VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND RAN INTO A STREET SIGN AND BARRIER GATE. *AK *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Brakes
15 complaint records5 crash reports
"STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS STARTED TO OCCUR APPROX AT 22000 MILES. THE CARE NOW HAS APPROX 26000 MILES. FOUND 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS WHILE RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM. ODI #S 10034592 AND 10037938...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP09001 opened Apr 2009 | closed Oct 2009 | Vehicle Speed Control | UNWANTED AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED DP09-001 ON APRIL 8, 2009, TO EVALUATE A DEFECT PETITION REQUESTING ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION OF POTENTIAL THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM DEFECTS UNRELATED TO FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDALS IN MODEL... |
| DP05002 opened Aug 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN A LETTER DATED JULY 8, 2005, AND AFTER EXPERIENCING TWO INCIDENTS (AND ONE CRASH) WHERE HE ALLEGES HIS MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 CAMRY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, MR. |
| PE04021 opened Mar 2004 | closed Jul 2004 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM THE LEXUS MODELS WERE THE SUBJECT OF DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-003.TWELVE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE TO TOYOTA REPORTS, INCLUDING THE TWO MINOR CRASHES.THE V6 EQUIPPED SOLARA MODELS HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN THE SUBJECT THROTTLE CONTROL... |
| DP04003 opened Feb 2004 | closed Mar 2004 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM THE POPULATION NUMBER NOTED ABOVE IS ESTIMATED.IN THE JANUARY 15TH, 2004 PETITION REQUEST LETTER TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA), THE PETITIONER IDENTIFIED 37 VOQ COMPLAINTS AS RELATED TO VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ISSUES SIMILAR TO... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V372000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD... | Normally free |
| 01V371000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFORMED PRIOR TO VEHICLE DELIVERY DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A COIL SPRING SPACER THAT WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001283 2001-12-05 | Airbag | 438 | Certain 2002 model Lexus ES300 vehicles, during air bag deployment, it is possible that the bottom seam of the front driver's side air bag module cover (horn pad) could be torn away allowing the bottom portion of the cover to completely... |
| 2001284 2001-12-05 | Brakes | 152 | Certain passenger vehicles. The left front brake tube may be deformed prior to vehicle delivery due to improper installation of a coil spring spacer that was installed to prevent damage to the vehicle during transportation, if the brake... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-SB-0020-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. | |
| L-SB-0021-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| L-SB-0022-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| Safety Recall 22 Apr 2022 | Equipment | Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022 | |
| Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 2022 | Equipment | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 2020 | Power Train | TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? | |
| L-SB-0023-20 Jun 2020 | Wheels | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. | |
| L-SB-0174-08 Obs Jun 2020 | Steering | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20. | |
| Lexus Safety Re May 2020 | Equipment | Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| L-SB-0008-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. | |
| L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates | |
| L-SB-0021-14_Obs Jan 2018 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18. | |
| L-SB-0048-08 Obs Dec 2017 | Equipment | TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17. | |
| L-SB-0021-14 Rev Sep 2016 | Equipment | TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Jul 2015 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-0066-11 Rev Apr 2015 | Electrical System | LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Rev Nov 2014 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-0021-14 Rev Oct 2014 | Equipment | TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. | |
| L-SB-0082-14 Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. | |
| L-SB-0007-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. | |
| L-SB-0041-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. | |
| LSB008214 Oct 2014 | Power Train | Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Rev Jul 2014 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-002-01 - OB Jul 2014 | Unknown Or Other | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. | |
| LSB002514A Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset | |
| LSB002514B Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset | |
| LSB002514 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset. | |
| L-SB-0021-14 Jun 2014 | Electrical System | TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. | |
| L-SB-0015-10 Rev Jun 2014 | Unknown Or Other | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 12, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. | |
| LSB002114 Jun 2014 | Equipment | Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure. | |
| L-TT-0111-13 Jan 2014 | Air Bags | Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. | |
| L-SB-0092-13 Dec 2013 | Visibility | The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance. | |
| L-BO-004-05 Obso Dec 2013 | Visibility | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13. | |
| LSB009213B Dec 2013 | Visibility | Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning | |
| L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 2013 | Seats | Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag... | |
| L-TT-0031-10 Nov 2013 | Equipment | Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information | |
| LTT014513 Nov 2013 | Visibility | Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior | |
| L-SB-0041-11 Rev Oct 2013 | Power Train | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. | |
| L-SB-0010-13 Feb 2013 | Equipment | A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. | |
| LSB001013 Feb 2013 | Service Brakes | Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection. | |
| Lexus Floor Mat Jan 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage. | |
| L-SB-0015-10 Rev Jan 2013 | Electrical System | Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. | |
| L-SB-0066-11 Rev Jan 2013 | Electrical System | When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| L-TT-0111-13 Jan 2013 | Air Bags | Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per | |
| LSB-0143-11 Nov 2011 | Seats | LEXUS: INFORMATION REGARDING THE SEAT COVER REPLACEMENT, EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS, THE MODIFICATIONS THAT MIGHT NEGATIVELY AFFECT SIDE AIR BAG PERFORMANCE CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURIES. *PE | |
| LSB-0015-10 Feb 2010 | Electrical System | LEXUS: TECHSTREAM ECU FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS. *PE | |
| 00504 May 2004 | Structure | RATTLE/SQUEAK NOISE CAUSED BY MOON ROOF WEATHERSTRIP STICKING TO THE BODY. *TT | |
| 00304 May 2004 | Service Brakes | FRONT BRAKE COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION. *TT | |
| 00404 May 2004 | Structure | REAR DOOR TRIM PANEL LOWER SEAL RATTLE. *TT | |
| 00304 Apr 2004 | Power Train | THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE 7 SOLENOIDS USED IN THE U150E/U151E/U151F TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 3272 Mar 2004 | Unknown Or Other | REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION. DIAGNOSTIC - SFI SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 00304 Feb 2004 | Structure | REAR PACKAGE TRAY SUNSHADE BINDING. *MR | |
| 00104 Jan 2004 | Structure | A RATTLE OR TICK NOISE FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE COWL COVER (LOUVER SUB-ASSEMBLY) HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO IMPROVE THIS CONDITION. *TT | |
| 01103 Oct 2003 | Structure | RATTLE FROM BELOW THE REAR PACKAGE TRAY AREA OR BEHIND THE REAR SEAT BACK WHILE DRIVING. 2004 ES330 AS WELL. *TT | |
| 00903 Oct 2003 | Visibility | FRONT DOOR POWER WINDOW REGULATORS MAY DEFORM AFTER USE. *TT | |
| TC00403 Aug 2003 | Power Train | ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CALIBRATION - SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT. *TT | |
| 3157 Jul 2003 | Air Bags | SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION. 00245-RM911-U1. *TT | |
| 00403 May 2003 | Electrical System | RE-CALIBRATION OF COMPASS. *TT | |
| 00303 May 2003 | Seats | SEATBACK BOARD IMPROVEMENT. *TT *JB | |
| 00403 Apr 2003 | Visibility | CREAK NOISE AT TOP OF WINDSHIELD AND/OR BACK WINDOW GLASS. RECOMMENDED REPAIR PROCEDURE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 88 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Lexus Es300 →